Audie Murphy: War Hero and Movie Star

In "Audie Murphy, War Hero and Movie Star" the most decorated soldier during World War II is illuminated. The middle chapters, which describe the military actions for which he was honored are frank and descriptive. Of particular interest is the battle scene near Holtzwhir, France, where he was personally credited with killing or wounding about fifty Germans and stopping an attack by enemy tanks. Alter includes the legendary quote to headquarters made by Murphy during the fighting. When asked by radio how close the enemy was, he said, "Just hold the phone, and I'll let you talk to one. ..." Murphy was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for exceptional valor in this battle. Even when dealing with Murphy's post-traumatic stress disorder, or "battle fatigue" in the lexicon of the 1940s, Alter is honest and instructive. This is a book my 11-year-old grandson will enjoy, and I have already passed it on. Extras in the Audie Murphy book include explanations of the Great Depression, what a "filling station" is, and a short excerpt from Murphy's autobiography "To Hell and Back." The book also includes a timeline and a glossary, as well as website listings and beautifully rendered line drawings by the illustrator. Children will be so absorbed in reading this well-written biography, they won't even realize that they are being taught important American history lessons at the same time.